A journey of discovery that encompasses the famed Machu Picchu and then ventures to the enigmatic and hidden Chachapoya region of Northern Peru.

INTRODUCTION

This is a unique journey in the majestic land of Peru. An opportunity to visit the highlands of the Sacred Valley and then onward to famed Machu Picchu. Onward we bear north to discover some of the gems of hidden Peru. The region of Chachapoyas and Kuelap were relatively secluded from the outside world until the past 15 years and have gradually revealed their elusive secrets. Here you will visit the towering Gocta waterfall, the cliff side burial chambers of Macro and onward to the pinnacled pre-Incan fortress of Kuelap. The Chachapoyas people of this region had their flourishment from the years of 900 to 1400 AD. It leaves behind a settlement of walls of 60 feet high, over 400 circular stone dwellings with geometric friezes, walled mural iconography, and high relief carvings. Visiting Kuelap provides an opportunity to understand the legacy left behind by an extinct early American civilization that contributed much to the region before its disappearance.

QUICK OVERVIEW BY DAY:

  • Day 1 – International Arrival, Collection & Overnight
  • Day 2 – Morning Flight to Cusco, Afternoon Visit to the Sacred Valley
  • Day 3 – Explore Ollantaytambo Ruins, Afternoon Train to Aguas Calientes
  • Day 4 – Guided Tour of Machu Picchu, Travel to Cusco
  • Day 5 – Free Morning, Afternoon Guided Tour of Cusco
  • Day 6 – Flight to Jaen (via Lima) and Transfer to Cocachimba
  • Day 7 – Visit to Gocta Waterfalls
  • Day 8 – Guided Tour of Kuelap Fortress
  • Day 9 – Flight to Lima, Overnight in Miraflores
  • Day 10 – Guided Tour of Lima, International Departure
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Day 1 – International Arrival, Collection & Overnight

Arrival Lima. Overnight Lima airport hotel.
2

Day 2 – Morning Flight to Cusco, Afternoon Visit to the Sacred Valley

Mid-morning you will take a flight to Cusco and our representative will escort you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Today will be a relaxed day, acclimatizing to the altitude, and we begin with a visit to the famous Pisac market where you will find a host of traditional Andean textiles, trinkets and locals selling both weird and wonderful regional produce. After lunch you will head upward to the Inca ruins at Pisac. This impressive defensive site built by the Inca civilization at the eastern end of the Sacred Valley contains four sectors of Q’allaqasa, Pisaqa, Intihuatana, and Kinchiracay. Your privately guided tour will unearth the secrets of this magical destination and give insights to the significance of the sectors at this expansive archaeological site. Overnight Sacred Valley Hotel.
3

Day 3 – Explore Ollantaytambo Ruins, Afternoon Train to Aguas Calientes

This morning you will embark upon a tour of Ollantaytambo ruins. This impressive religious, military and agricultural strong-hold maintains to this day the secrets of what it was like to live in a strategically significant Incan town. The main features of the ruins include the Wall of the Six Monoliths, Temple of the Sun, The Princess’ Baths and the fortress of Temple Hill lording over the valley. At this place the Incas army of Manco Inca enjoyed a rare victory over the Spanish Conquistadors in 1537. Following lunch take the evening train to Aguas Calientes and overnight near Machu Picchu.
4

Day 4 – Guided Tour of Machu Picchu, Travel to Cusco

This morning take the short shuttle bus journey up to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Your private guide will bring history to life as you are escorted through the meandering elements of this breath-taking Incan site. These include Intiwatana, Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Main temple and the Caretaker’s Hut. On completion of your tour you have an option to enjoy the Machu Picchu Hike for some enthralling panoramic vistas overlooking the complex and adjacent valleys. Your evening ends with a memorable train journey back to Cusco; the cradle city of the Incan world.
5

Day 5 – Free Morning, Afternoon Guided Tour of Cusco

Today you have a free morning to relax amid the cobble bedecked streets of this historic city. In the afternoon you will explore the rich history and architectural heritage of this city at the main Incan sites of Sacsathuaman, Korikancha, Q’enko and the Plaza de Armas and its famed cathedral. Overnight Cusco hotel.
6

Day 6 – Flight to Jaen (via Lima) and Transfer to Cocachimba

Today we explore the lesser known North of Peru as we take a flight to Jaen via Lima and onward transfer to Cocachimba. Overnight Gocta Lodge Hotel.
7

Day 7 – Visit to Gocta Waterfalls

The waterfall of La Chorreras or Gocta Waterfall is a bi-level falls with a total drop of an astounding 2,530 feet (771 meters). Your adventure today consists of a pathway through the dense midst of the cloud-forest surrounded by a beautiful mountainous landscape. Until 2005 this gem of nature was relatively unknown to the outside world. The roar of the falls and the mist on your face, in pristine surrounds, is a once in lifetime experience.
This is the habitat of the Cock of the Rock bird, Emerald Tucan, Yellow tailed Mono Choro and a host of hummingbirds amongst other native birds. The waterfall is a spectacular sight and is a must for photographic lovers. Following some time to absorb this enchanting destination we return to the community of Cocachimba to enjoy lunch and later return to your hotel from an exhilarating day. Overnight Gocta Lodge Hotel.
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Day 8 – Guided Tour of Kuelap Fortress

Full day tour of Kuelap Fortress. Your tour begins with a drive to the archaeological centre of Kuelap, a fortified city remains that dates to the 6th century. En route we will visit the profound Chachapoya burial towers of Macro, then onward to the cable car station. The cable ride at Kuelap is some 20 minutes followed by 15 minutes of walking to the fortress itself. The tour here is approximately three hours and we then the take lunch at the local town of Nuevo Tingo. Overnight Gocta Lodge Hotel.
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Day 9 – Flight to Lima, Overnight in Miraflores

Transfer from Cocachimba to Jaen and flight to Lima. Private transfer to hotel in Miraflores district Lima. An opportunity to savour the world-famous restaurants of Lima. Overnight Miraflores Lima.
10

Day 10 – Guided Tour of Lima, International Departure

Tour of Lima including the central Plaza de Armas, Plaza Miguel Grau, Santa Domingo Monastery and Church, the temple of Huallamarca and El Parque del Amor (the park of Love). Evening / night international departure.

TOUR INFORMATION

Our trips are tailor-made to suit your requirements. Contact a luxury Argentina Vacation expert for a comprehensive itinerary and pricing:

  • US$ 375+ per person per day (based on 5-star hotels)**
  • US$ 300 – 375 per person per day (based on 4-star hotels)**
  • US$ 275 – 300 per person per day (based on 3-star hotels)**

Included in the Price:

  • Guided excursions as described in itinerary.
  • Hotel nights + breakfasts.
  • Airport collections and drop-offs with check-in and baggage assistance.
  • 24 Hour emergency contact number and assistance (in-country).

Not Included in the Price:

  • International flights.
  • Domestic flight package. Flights required: Lima – Cusco – Lima / Lima – Jaen – Lima. Approximate cost US$ 450 – 500 per person. We can purchase these flights on your behalf.
  • Tips or gratuities.
  • Other meals not stated in the itinerary.
  • Travel insurance.

Peru has two seasons, the wet season (November – April) and the dry season (May – October). High-season is from April – November and also Christmas and New Year. February and March are the quietest months and have the heaviest rainfall. The Inca Trail (if included) is closed for the month of February.

Departure Dates:
Dates are flexible and customized to meet your needs. Let us know which dates work best for you and we will tailor the itinerary accordingly.

Suitability:
This luxury Peru vacation package is suitable for all ages and families.

Difficulty:
Easy: This trip is considered easy. Note that the Incas never built anything on flat ground, and navigating Inca ruins (especially Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu) require a certain amount of basic fitness and mobility.

Destinations Visited:

  • Lima
  • The Sacred Valley
  • Machu Picchu
  • Cusco
  • Cocachimba
  • Gocta Waterfalls
  • Kuelap Fortress

Vacation Package Type:

  • Culture
  • Sightseeing
  • Architecture
  • History
  • Light-Adventure

WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

Tell us about your travel plans, and let us hand-craft the perfect trip for you

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